Universal Studio Orlando, theme park is a fun visit for all ages, all their rides and attractions are themed around movies produced by Universal Pictures. And this post is your one-stop guide to all rides in Universal Studios Orlando. And, the best part is that there is something to do for everyone, like themed rides, attractions, seeing your favorite character, or simply walking around the beautiful place. Wait a sec! How did I forget about the food!! And yes tons of good food options.
Though there are so many things and reasons to visit universal studios. But, the number one reason is to be able to enjoy the rides. So, the main question remains! Which rides are in Universal Studios Orlando and what are the top ones? So, this post is all about the types of rides, duration, and top rides at Universal Studio, Orlando, Florida and your one stop guide to Universal Studio Orlando rides
The question is what are the best or top rides at the universal studio and the answer really depends on what type of rides you like. Now, with all the different types of rides at Universal studios, for example, roller coaster/Thrill, 3D, 4D, carousel, motion simulation, and dark ride. It can be so confusing to choose which ride to take and the terms can get confusing. Also, it becomes important to know the rides especially if you only have a 1-day ticket and would want to make the most of it.
So, based on my experience and research. I made a list categorized by types of rides at Universal Studios Florida, their duration, and any additional notes.
This post is your one stop guide to Universal Studio Orlando rides. These are categorized by type of ride, duration, and top 7 rides that you do not want to miss on your next visit to Universal Studios, Orlando
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Table of Contents
List and Types of Rides at Universal Studio Orlando
| Ride Name | Type | Duration | Height Requirements | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Despicable Me Minion Mayhem | Motion Simulator 3D/4D | 8 minutes | 40 in (102 cm) | Accessible in Wheelchair |
| E.T. Adventure | Bike Simulator | 4 minutes and 30 seconds | 34 in (86 cm) | Must Transfer to standard Wheelchair |
| Fast & Furious: Supercharged | Dark Ride - 3D | 5 minutes | Supervision Required | Rider Swap |
| Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringgotts | Indoor Enclosed Roller Coaster | 5 minutes | 42 in (107 cm) | Need to put your stuff away (lockers are free to use) |
| Hogwarts Express (Need valid ticket for both parks) | Train Ride | 4 minutes | Supervision Required | |
| Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit | Outdoor Roller Coaster | 1 minute and 39 seconds | 130 in (201 cm) | Need to put your stuff away (lockers are free to use) |
| Kang & Kodos Twirl n Hurl | Carousel | 2 minutes | Under 48 in (122 cm) Adult Supervision Required | |
| Men In Black: Alien Attack | Interactive Ride | 4 minutes and 20 seconds | 42 in (107 cm) | Welcomes Single Rider |
| Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon | Motion Simulation | 4 minutes | 40 in (102 cm) | |
| Revenge of the Mummy | Indoor Closed Roller Coaster | 2 minutes | 48 in (122 cm) | Need to put your stuff away (lockers are free to use) |
| Shrek 4D | Theater -3D/4D | 15 minutes | Supervision Required | |
| The Simpsons Ride | Motion Simulator | 4 minutes and 30 seconds | 40 in (102 cm) | |
| Transformer: The Ride 3D | Motion Simulation | 4 minutes and 30 seconds | 40 in (102 cm) | Single Rider Swap Rider |
| Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse | Outdoor Roller Coaster | 44 seconds | 36 in (91 cm) | Must Transfer from Wheelchair |
Top 7 rides in Universal Studios Orlando
These seven (7) rides are the top rides to try in Universal Studio Orlando. These cover a range of categories from the enclosed roller coaster, 3D/4D motion simulation, theater 4D, and dark ride. trying these 7 rides will make your trip to universal studios worth it.
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts
- Fast & Furious: Supercharged
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
- Transformers
- Shrek 4D
- Revenge of the Mummy
Now that you know what the top 7 rides are in Universal Studios, Orlando are. And, are interested to learn about the rides currently active and available then keep reading on as your one stop guide to Universal Studio Orlando rides
Roller Coaster / Thrill
Roller coaster/thrill rides that consist and follow railroad tracks, with various twists and turns. These types of rides are the main attraction of outdoor amusement parks. And, that same concept of the roller coaster has been implemented at the theme parks including at universal studios, but with a twist.
The twist is that most of these rides are indoors and with 3D/4D aspects to them. Also, many of these roller coaster rides are not your standard amusement roller coaster. Instead, these are created in an enclosed roller coaster to make the 3D/4D aspects more defined and realistic. These rides are described as “Thrill” at the Universal Studios Florida
Universal studios has four (4) roller coasters: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse and Revenge of the Mummy
Outdoor Roller Coaster
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
this is an outdoor ride but not your traditional roller coaster, it speeds up to 65 miles/hr and features music and videos in the passenger seat. You can scroll and pick your own song, though you only have like 30 seconds to do so.
Tip: You will have to put all your stuff in the locker, and do this before you get in the line for the ride (lockers are free to use)
Woody Woodpeckers Nuthouse
This roller coaster is children-friendly, so if you absolutely dread the idea of the turning and twisting in the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. But still want to enjoy being part of the roller coaster gang! Then definitely try this one for a bit of fun. This is also a good starter roller coaster ride for your children, with gentle twists and turns. But is sturdy enough for adults.
Indoor Roller Coaster
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
This is an indoor enclosed roller coaster but is worth the try even if you are not a fan of roller coasters. Since this ride gets you involved with all the 3D animation and feels surreal. The ride is based on the Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 2 a part where harry potter and others are on a mission to defeat Lord Voldemort
Revenge of the Mummy
The ride starts off slow and steady and a bit scary. It goes from a standstill to 45mph within seconds. It gets exciting and thrilling. This ride is also considered scary as it is completely pitch black inside, also the cart moves in reverse mode along with 3D animation of mummies and a 4D feel of fire (it gets a bit warm)
3D/4D
3D is short for (3) dimensional which relates to something that has height, width, and depth. We have movies now that give an illusion of being more realistic, more depth, and are immersive. This illusion is best created when viewed 3D-rated movies/ shows with special glasses.
So, in 4D-rated movies and shows, the 4th dimension is the real-time. Like anything happening right then and there live while watching in 3D with special glasses, which is for seeing objects on the screen to be very lifelike
Despicable Me minion Mayhem
This is a motion simulator ride that involves 3D, as you can tell the animation revolves around an animation movie Despicable ME, it’s a fun ride to enjoy and motion simulators make it seem like you are really part of it. As you exit, be ready to greet a cute minion and take pictures.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Fan or not is a fun try ride for all and is part of the top 7 rids to try at universal studios Orlando. You are entering to become a minion and won’t come out until you become one (Nah just kidding). It’s a fun, colorful ride, you will go bananas!
Shrek 4D
This ride is a full 15 minute 3D movie, You will feel like you are truly part of the conquest with Shrek and Donkey to save Princess Fiona, The 4D/motion simulation makes this experience even more with the amazing animation and more than just a 3D movie you would watch in the theater. So do give it a shot when you need a sit-down break
Carousel
Kang and Kodos Twirl n Hurl
This is a children’s ride, a fun carousel ride for the kids to try, and is part of the, Kang & Kodos Twirk n Twirl – a carousel ride for the children. The ride is based on The Simpsons
Motion Simulation
A stationary object that can be moved in three rotational degrees is known as a motion simulator. These rotations make the rider feel like they are in a real motion movement, but could very well be just sitting on place, but the movements and the additions of the 3D effects give an illusion of flying, falling, etc due to the real motion movement
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon:
This ride is part of the top 7 rides in Universal studios because it thrilling and a fun ride through New York City. And, trust me you do not have to a fan or viewer of this show to enjoy the ride. This ride starts at NBC studios all the way through Times Square and flying up to Lady Liberty.
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E.T, Adventure
This ride is fun, starts out as scary ride but turns into a fun, colorful ride. Enjoyed by all
The Simpsons Ride
This is another motion simulator ride and has extreme ups and downs. Great for Simpsons fan as it goes through the Krustyland and a lot of references and jokes. Since the ride was bumpy I didn’t enjoy the ride as much. And wanted it to end. Lots of transitions and movements through the Krustyland. Though give it a try if you are a Simpsons fan.
Dark ride
Indoor rides that travel through scenes, which are mostly 3D floor-length scenes. These rides also include some 4D aspects to give an illusion of you actually being part of the ride.
Men in Black: Alien Attack
This one seemed like a ride still stuck in the 90s theme park, As you sit in your cart, each rider gets a laser gun. Each cart plays against the other one and shoots at the 3D aliens. And as the ride intensifies aliens shoot back, and the cart spins of control (made my head spin) its one of those rides that you try once and don’t miss it at all.
Fast & Furios: Supercharged
This is a fun 3D ride of a chase in the parking lot, leading outside on the freeway. THis is a fun thrilling ride, without any crazy twists and turns (especially if that’s not your thing!) It’s enjoyable and great animation. Though it ends abruptly making it a bit annoying for fans that complain about the ride. Though it definitely is worth the try. Especially if you went all the way to Universal Studios.
Transformers: The ride
This is another fun 3D dark ride with some motion simulations. This ride shows various transformers. This ride revolves around Autobots who attempt to protect the Allspark from Decepticons. This is a fun thrilling ride.
Hogwarts Express
This is one of the main attractions in the Wizarding World (Harry Potter section) this train runs between the Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios Orlando and between Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. Unfortunately, In order to ride this train, passengers should have a valid ticket for both the theme parks. Click Here to buy tickets to Universal Studios Orlando and other Theme parks in Orlando.
Summary
This post is your one stop guide to Universal Studio Orlando rides. And, the top 7 rides that you must try. I have also added a table that you sort the rides by category, duration, or type. This would help you plan ahead on the type of ride you will hit first on your visit. Let me know in the comments below your favorite ride in Universal Studio, Orlando.
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